I have yet to see either the 1916 serial or the 1963 film, but want to badly. If Infra-man is the father of the Power Rangers, then Judex is the Grandfather of the Shadow, Batman, Darkman, and pretty much every "dark hero" archetype that has ever existed. Created by French filmaker Louis Feuillade and writer Arthur Bernède, the character was made in response to Feuillade's previous efforts, Fantomas and Les Vampires, being criticized for glorifying criminals. Judex, though portraying many of the characteristics of popular villains of the time, was a hero. He also anticipated many of what are now stereotypes of the superhero genre: he owned a secret hideout under an abandoned castle, had a collection of gadgets which he used to fight crime, and kept a secret identity.

In 1963 a remake was released, starring American magician and actor Channing Pollock in the title role. Sadly, it has yet to be released on DVD in the US.

"Tonight, we will honor the greatest writers in America with a modest 9 by 12 certificate and a check for three thousand dollars...three thousand dollars? Stephen King makes more than that for writing boo on a cocktail napkin." - Jimmy Breslin

"Tonight, we will honor the greatest writers in America with a modest 9 by 12 certificate and a check for three thousand dollars...three thousand dollars? Stephen King makes more than that for writing boo on a cocktail napkin." - Jimmy Breslin